News & Weekly Letters

One of the things I’ve noticed in my 16 months in this city is that when New Yorkers eat out in restaurants, they have the excellent habit of striking up a conversation with the people at the table beside them. At least that is how, on a fairly regular basis, my wife Andria and I surreptitiously get to know and share delicious moments with complete strangers. What always surprises me is their reaction when I tell them what I do for a living (I can’t help myself).

I mentioned to you a while ago that one of the challenges The École faces is preserving our identity despite an everchanging demographic–there is a constant flow of families that join us and families that leave. Last year, those arrivals and departures were coupled with my wish–as a newcomer myself–to bring a fresh perspective to the school.

As I was putting on my Clark Kent/ Superman costume this morning, I remembered how, when I was younger, I took issue with traditions. I couldn’t stand the rhythm they seemed to impose on my life and I shirked them whenever I could. Then time passed and through education, I discovered a universe where traditions are in fact important milestones in children’s learning. My grudge against them softened.

I had the good fortune to sample some delicious hot chocolate and scrumptious freshly baked madeleines during Noémie Tessier’s visit yesterday. Noémie, Executive Pastry Chef at Angelina Paris, New York came to meet our 7th and 8th graders as part of the World of Work (WoW) program, masterfully coordinated for eight years now by Franck Le Martelot with the assistance of Gayle Hampton.

The World of Work is back for its eighth season at The École in 2021-2022! We are delighted to be welcoming a variety of industry experts to meet our 7th and 8th Grade students in their classroom—either virtually or in-person—and share their professional experience, values, background, and knowledge with them.